CABINET NOTES: The Cabinet expressed its disappointment over the Antigua Sailing Week events.
Although the franchise is held by the ABHTA and that a contract with a well-known promoter permits all major decisions to be made by that promoter, the Cabinet sought answers from the Chairman of the National Parks Authority (NPA), Senator Philip Shoul, and the Executive Director of the NPA, Ms. Annemarie Martin.
The duo explained that in 2007/2008, the then Minister of Tourism, Hon. John Maginley, privatized Sailing Week by selling the franchise to the Hotel and Tourism Association.
A licence was then given to a private individual to determine the events which would characterize Sailing Week. In those days, as many as 142 boats would participate; the number today has fallen to less than 50 boats.
The Chairman sought and received policy guidelines that will result in Sailing Week continuing at the end of April each year, and that the licence to the private individual—which has expired—will not be renewed.
Nevertheless, a Committee made up of all stakeholders will be asked to plan and execute Sailing Week 2026 with Government support pledged.
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It’s gonna be hard to bring back the event to what it was in its glory days. Since Covid, the sailing work activities has taken a significant nose dive and is struggling to get into recovery mode. Important and critical marketing and sponsorship has literally dried up even as other regional countries has done a lot more to advertise and promote their event, eg, St Maarten Heineken Regatta in February and March, the Spring Regatta in the BVI in April and the Tahiti Pearl Regatta in May, Seychelles Challenge Regatta in July and more. Meanwhile, businesses in the Dockyard and surrounding communities are literally bawling as the returns that they are accustomed to during the sailing week has literally dried up as even locals are now uninterested in the event. Antigua sailing week needs brand new injection and input. The once remarkable staple on our calendar of events is on life support right now.
Not surprised people are losing interest. It’s lost its charm.
Whatever changes they make, please don’t let corporate sponsors take over entirely.
People just don’t feel included — and it shows in the turnout.
Revive it, yes — but don’t forget the people who made it what it was in the first place.